The ongoing speculation around James Gunn Batman casting tease has intensified following a recent social media interaction involving James Gunn and actor Tom Brittney. As anticipation builds for DC Studios’ next iteration of Batman, Gunn’s comments have fueled fresh debates among fans about who might don the cape in the evolving DC Universe.
Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounds DCU’s Batman Selection
The identity of the next Batman has remained one of the most discussed topics among DC fans, with names like Brandon Sklenar and Alan Ritchson circulating frequently in fan discussions. Despite this widespread speculation, concrete updates have been scarce. The Brave and the Bold, the upcoming project expected to introduce the new Batman, has shown little progress, and reports confirm Batman will not appear in the 2026 release Clayface, suggesting that the casting decision is not imminent— or, perhaps, developments are happening behind the scenes.
Gunn’s Social Media Post Ignites Speculation
An unexpected clue emerged when James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, posted a photo revealing storyboards from his next Superman film, which he is set to begin filming in April. In response, a fan shared an image of Tom Brittney, a finalist for the role of Clark Kent in Superman auditions, with a playful caption referencing Bruce Wayne using a merman emoji—a symbol frequently used by Gunn on his social media accounts, and featured in the Peacemaker series.
Gunn’s choice to reply directly to this post is significant, particularly given the post’s otherwise low engagement, suggesting he recognized its potential to ignite conversation. Gunn is known for cryptically teasing announcements and upcoming developments through his digital presence, as he previously hinted at by posting about Mister Terrific before officially revealing the character’s inclusion in the Superman cast.
“That guy is a great f—king actor!”
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Tom Brittney’s History With DC Studios
Tom Brittney’s connections with DC Studios extend beyond casual fan theories. During earlier rounds of casting for Superman, Brittney stood out as one of the final contenders opposite David Corenswet. Gunn maintains a practice of keeping standout performers in mind for future roles, a strategy evidenced by Nicholas Hoult, who was eventually cast as Lex Luthor after being a Superman finalist.
This approach of considering strong auditioning actors for other significant parts has become characteristic of Gunn’s casting philosophy. Should Brittney be cast as Batman, it would not be the first time someone who missed one opportunity was selected for a crucial role elsewhere in the DCU.
Previous praise for Brittney Fuels Curiosity
James Gunn has publicly praised Tom Brittney before. In 2024, when a fan on Threads asked whether Brittney wore and damaged Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel suit during his Superman audition, Gunn acknowledged the incident, further commending Brittney’s acting abilities.
“Yes. Tom messed it up and then Corenswet came in and he was way too tall, so it just got torn to shreds. BTW, Tom is truly one of my favorite actors. Incredibly talented guy.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Given that Superman and Batman often share similar physical traits and character profiles in their comic depictions, fans find it plausible that someone considered for Clark Kent could also fit the requirements for the Dark Knight. This has kept speculation about Brittney’s potential casting alive and intense.
James Gunn Addresses the Casting Process
During an appearance on The Ringer-Verse, James Gunn discussed his strategy of considering various actors for high-profile roles, cautioning that his preferred candidates do not always get the job. He described having multiple options at the top of his list, but underscored the unpredictable nature of the final selections for landmark DC roles.
“I mean, do I have ideas about actors to play Batman? Absolutely, I do. I have guys I like. I have guys that are at the top of the list for me. Just like I had people that were at the top of the list for Superman. But […] those aren’t the people… they aren’t David Corenswet. So, they didn’t get the job.”
— James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
This comment reinforces the idea that while Gunn has his preferences, the final casting may diverge from early speculation, keeping the ultimate decision shrouded in secrecy.
Potential Implications and What Lies Ahead
The growing attention around Tom Brittney and James Gunn’s remarks may ultimately amount to simple recognition of a talented actor. Yet, Gunn’s choice to engage with a Batman-related fan post, especially in the context of his general reluctance to respond to casting questions, signals that his comments could carry additional weight.
The Brave and the Bold, intended to introduce DC Studios’ new Batman, currently lacks a confirmed release date. The character will next be seen in The Batman Part II, set for release on October 1, 2027. Before then, DCU’s Supergirl film is anticipated to premiere on June 26, 2026, ensuring fans will have plenty to discuss while awaiting any official Batman casting confirmations.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 15, 2022
